Content of the website www.manuelcruises.com/en on 17/10/2009 ------- WELCOME ------- Welcome @ ManuelCruises ... offers anything that involves a lot of sailing ... -Sailing instruction for novice & advanced sailors -Recreative or more challening day & coastal sailing with anchor bays for the night -Sunset cruises -Experience trips throughout the year -Mile building, offshore sailing, etc. Sailing routes 2010: October through June: Sailing around Malta & to Comino, Gozo, Sicily, Linosa, Lampedusa... anything from relaxed bay-to-bay sailing or sportive sailing with a focus on experience & spending lots of time at sea July, August & September: Malta-Sicily-Sardegna-Balearic Islands & back with trip legs of at least one week; sailing over much longer distances is possible if you stay aboard longer Software development at your request ----------------- ABOUT THE SKIPPER ----------------- About the Skipper Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Manuel Tremmel and I am the owner & Skipper of s/y Settima. I am a */21/* year old German from Bavaria, who lives aboard Settima & studies computer science in Malta, (which is situated in the centre of the Mediterranean). I am a very "passionate sailor", meaning that I am absolutely in love with sailing! I have */11/* years of sailing experience on sailboats of various sizes, (in the position of the Skipper), in the Netherlands, Bavaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Italy (also Lago di Garda), Malta, Spain, France and Portugal. In the last 1 1/2 years alone, I sailed over a distance of more than 14,000 Nm on s/y Settima. I am certified to operate pleasure craft of any size with any number of people aboard at sea. I speak English & German fluently. Previous sailing trips: -Summer 2007: sailing in Croatia from Rovinj to Hvar & back -Summer 2008: various routes between the Aegean sea & Sardegna (18 weeks, 4500 Nm, partly as a "lone sailor") on s/y Settima -October 2008 through June 2009: 3500 Nm (while studying) -Summer 2009: Malta - Saredegna - Formentera - Gibraltar - Portugal & back via Barcelona, Corse & Capri to Malta (5800Nm, with very few stops, mostly sailing against the wind) -... How passionate am I about sailing? Even though I offer many kinds of sailing trips, this is how I prefer to sail personally: -One of my favourite onboard activities is to be at the helm, and not to steer a boat over long distances using an autopilot as many sailors do. Also, I can handle my yacht single-handed (i.e. without crew). -To cover long distances, without land in sight, using the wind only, (i.e. without using the engine), is for me a very extraordinary, exciting challenge. -Also, to save time & to avoid the hassle of bureaucracy, I try not to visit countries in which we have to clear customs or port authorities. It is basically always possible to steer clear of ports & marinas, to avoid having to pay expensive mooring fees. -As soon as there is sufficient wind and the sea conditions are right, I weigh anchor. If there is no wind or the weather is bad, I am prepared to stay at anchor, to swim or to tour the local attractions onshore, but generally, with weather permitting, I start sailing from the early moment I rise from my berth. I only stop sailing when the sun sets or when the weather no longer permits safe passage. I only want to take advantage of every possible moment to sail! --------------- ABOUT THE YACHT --------------- About the Yacht S/y Settima, (which is Italian for "the seventh"), is a German-flagged Moody 35 with bilge keels, built in the UK in 1995. I purchased her in 2007 and keep her berthed in Malta. There are two double cabins onboard, as well as two couches, which might be used for sleeping. The yacht is fully insured. For technical specifications of this yacht, visit www.premiermarinas.com -35 PS diesel engine -Onboard volatage is 12V -Diesel heater in winter ManuelCruises reserves the right to offer booked sailing trips on other, longer sailboats (with a larger number of maximal participants). -------------------------------- PARTICIPATION COSTS & CONDITIONS -------------------------------- Participation costs -A "Participation Fee" of 250 Euro per week (from October through June) and 280 Euros per week (from July through September) is requested as a relatively small, non-profit oriented contribution to the maintenance & operational costs of the yacht. If you wish to occupy your double berth alone, it costs 50% extra. The maximum number of participants is 4 persons (optimum: 2 guests). An advance deposit of 25% is due upon reservation, the rest is to be paid at least 4 weeks before the trip (or alternatively with your advance payment). -A "Boat Kitty" contribution is requested from each Crewmember - exluding the Skipper - for their weekly share for expenses such as: -onboard food & water -5 Euro per engine hour (at fixed amount due to engine service etc.) -petrol for the outborder of the dinghy -camping gas -occasional port or mooring fees (Instead of paying expensive mooring fees - >35 Euro - it is possible to find a scenic anchor bay free of charge in most cases/always) -15 Euro per person for to wash bedding or bring your own -final cleaning of the boat: by the crew or 80 Euro from the boat kitty To budget for this expense, Crewmembers should estimate the Boat Kitty contribution to be around 50 Euro per week. This contribution is always made in cash and immediately upon embarkation. It is then "topped-up" by each Crewmember as needed, during your length of stay onboard. Please note that the actual amount of this contribution may vary, depending upon the number of crew aboard. The boat kitty is taken care of by a crew member. -Personal & Onshore Expenses: Costs such as air/land travel to and from the yacht, restaurant dining and alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks while ashore are the sole responsibility of each Crewmember. Cancellations and refunds In case of a cancellation, these refund regulations shall apply: -In case of a cancellations as up to 3 months before the scheduled trip your fee be refunded less a cancellation fee of 10% of the participation cost. -In case of a cancellations as of 21 days before the scheduled trip your fee be refunded less a cancellation fee at the amount of your advance payment,as it is impossible to find a replacement within such a short period of time & discuss details. However, with the prior approval of the Skipper only, you may be permitted to select your own replacement. -In case of a cancellations later than of 21 days before the scheduled trip you are required to forfeit all fees paid to date. -Any and all refunds due will be held until after the trip has been completed unless the Skipper & Crewmember both agree to an alternate arrangement. -Refunds due to your cancellation right up to 14 days after your booking will be at full amount. Application procedure -If you are interested in sailing with me, please fill the form on the page "Apply" & submit it. -You will automatically receive an activation link via email; your application can only be processed if you open this link (hereby you help me to avoid junk applications). -Once your application has been processed, i.e. all our questions have been answered, I will provide you with the link for the booking system. The booking system will keep you up-to-date if there is a berth available in the your desired period of stay. -Once you decided to book bindingly, please inform me & I will send you the bank account details. (Advice for travellers by plane: Now you can start to look for cheap flights. Once you have found a suitable cheap flight, reserve you berth aboard immediately according to point (5) by transfering your advance payment & book your flights to & from the boat.) -You transfer the advance payment (as detailed above under "Participation fee") and you inform me via the booking system once you have initiated the bank transfer. From this point of time onwards, the berths will be reserved for you for a short period of time (circa 2 days), if I don't receive your transfer, the reservation will be cancelled and the berth may be given to someone else. -With your committal booking, a 14 day long period begins within which you may cancel your booking, at full amount and without giving reasons. Please send me details about your travel to & from the yacht (e.g. flight number, time & location of depature & arrival, etc.) per email. Conditions for participating in ManuelCruises sailing trips As participant (a.k.a. crew member) -You come aboard at your own risk. The Skipper shall not be held liable for personal injury, loss or damage to property or life. -You accept the sole decisive right of the Skipper in navigational, sailing and seamanship issues and are willing to obey any reasonable commands of the Skipper. -You may use boat shoes aboard only. -You accept that smoking is not allowed aboard. -You accept the "house right" of the Skipper. -You are responsible for travelling to the yacht in time. -You are responsible for bringing the documents listed under "What to bring" and to bring the disclaimer aboard printed & to sign it once on board. -You are willing to sign a Disclaimer & assume liability for any damage you may cause. Should it be impossible for the Skipper to offer the trip as planned (e.g. loss of the yacht etc.), any compensation can be at most the trip cost payed to date. In case of overdue payments, the Skipper may cancel the trip. Your berth will be reserved only if there are no payments due before embarkation. -------------- SAILING ROUTES -------------- I plan to sail over long distances from July through September and, (relatively), "shorter" trips from October through June. Sailing trips are only planned in the weeks listed under "Apply", section "Our sailing trip", please try to fill out the particular drop-down box. July, August & September The route for summer 2010, from July through September, is not yet finalized and depends on my crew & their preference of sailing (e.g. sailing with land / no land in sight, etc.). But for sure, I will start in Malta in mid/end of June and return to Malta by end of September. Legs of this sailing trip (changes are possible): -early July 2010: Malta -mid July: Sicily -late July: Sardegna -mid September: Sardegna -late September: Sicily The miniumum stay aboard is generally 1 or 2 weeks, dependent of my route. The one who applies first decides whether there will be day/coastal/offshore sailing. If your places to embark & disembark, the trip will be partly offshore sailing without land in sight (up to one week or more) in any case. Please note that with the legs always have some time "reserves" to ensure to reach our destination without engine even when the wind is calm. Should you stay longer, or if you are flexible in where & when to join, I can change the route accordingly - to sail a longer distance. From October through June For all sailors who prefer to sail in winter as well, Malta is quite perfect: There are summerly temperatures 'till December and in February, the coldest month of the year, the air & water temperature is still 15° C! Brave people swim throughout the year. Even though there are occasional thundershowers with heavy rain - after a few minutes, the sun usually shines again! Moreover, the winds are stronger than in the usually quite calm summer months. As I am studying from October through June and therefore have to visit occasional (very few) lectures, I cannot offer long distance sailing, but anything else. Consequently, this trip is ideal for anyone who also enjoys (relatively short) visits ashore (for shopping, sight-seeing etc.) I can offer these sailing trips: -recreative or more challenging sailing from anchorage to anchorage or to my berth in the port (available every day) -weekend trips to Comino, Gozo or Sicily (my "weekends" are 4 days long) -(possibly) land excursions with the Skipper -(possibly) sailing at night -sailing instruction -mile-building around Malta -regular distance sailing from Malta to nearby islands (Sicily, Linosa, Lampedusa...) for up to one week (without lectures) -17 day long Easter trip Under Apply - Our sailing trip, all periods of time are listed in which I can offer trip 1-8. Should you prefer a span of time in which I can offer distance sailing, please indicate that in your application. Please keep in mind: We can sail a lot even without distance sailing - to sail all day long except for 2 hours a day is quite a lot, isn't it? This trip will be ideal for you, if you: -prefer sailing with pleasant wind, but you should be aware that sailing in winter can become a challenge at times; -have no problem with the fact that we cannot sail at times due to the weather, as the Skipper will never endanger crew & boat unnecessarily; -want to acquire experience by sailing & helming yourself (always supported by the Skipper); -do not expect the Skipper to sail you around 24 hours a day and take very long watches at night before lectures; -have no problem to return to our starting point, i.e. not to sail long-distance; ----- APPLY ----- Apply If you are interested, please fill out & submit this form. This form is to guide you to answer all my questions to you, in order to be able to discuss details about where & when to sail together subsequently. Your answers can help me to prepare myself for your trip and to pay attention to prefer sailors with matching expectations for our sailing trip, if possible. This step of your application is non-committal. Day sailing Night sailing Coastal sailing Offshore sailing Sailing instruction Mile building Long-distance sailing Long-term sailing (onboard stays of more than 5 weeks only after a face-to-face meeting) Non-stop sailing Daily sailing duration: I prefer to sail from dawn to dusk I prefer to start sailing a bit later during the day. I prefer to arrive at our daily destination a bit earlier. I prefer not to sail too long. I prefer to spend days "parked" at anchor. I don't care. I do not need to visit marinas and ports, to avoid expensive mooring fees. Do you want to actively participate in sailing?: I am willing to assist the Skipper with all aspects of sailing the boat, such as setting the sails, tacking, jibing, anchoring and with sharing the duties of "helming" (steering) or "being on watch" over long distances. I prefer not to participate in sailing myself. I am also willing to share the other, less glamourous, duties such as cooking & meal preparation, cleaning dishes, etc., (Attention Guys: Nothing will upset the onboard women more than your assumption that they are going to handle all the galley (i.e. kitchen) chores. Likewise, don't assume that the women can't handle their share of the deck work). Sailing skills: never sailed before Beginner Advanced Experienced Your sailing experience: Seasickness: I am not sure if I am prone to seasickness. I am easily prone to seasickness. I get seasick, but that is no problem for me. not easily prone to seasickness.">I am not easily prone to seasickness. immune helming (up to hours per day) sail-trimming navigation astronavigation cooking fishing reading I can use fresh water economically. Hygiene: I can use sea water for washing myself. I prefer to use fresh water for washing myself. If you have a medical or physical condition, (i.e., allergies, restricted mobility, motion discomfort, non-swimmer, etc.), that might affect your safety or anyone else's, you are kindly requested to advise me at the time of application. Any information provided will be kept confidential and will not disqualify your application. Suggestions can be made to ensure your comfort and well-being as much as possible. Medical or physical conditions: Mrs Mr Name: Age: Nationality: Resident in: Occupation: I would like a double cabin for me alone (costs 50% extra) Swimmer Non-swimmer Non-Smoker Smoker (Strictly no smoking aboard) I do not abuse drugs or alcohol. Mrs Mr Name: Age: Nationality: Resident in: Occupation: I would like a double cabin for me alone (costs 50% extra) Swimmer Non-swimmer Non-Smoker Smoker (Strictly no smoking aboard) I do not abuse drugs or alcohol. Mrs Mr Name: Age: Nationality: Resident in: Occupation: I would like a double cabin for me alone (costs 50% extra) Swimmer Non-swimmer Non-Smoker Smoker (Strictly no smoking aboard) I do not abuse drugs or alcohol. Mrs Mr Name: Age: Nationality: Resident in: Occupation: I would like a double cabin for me alone (costs 50% extra) Swimmer Non-swimmer Non-Smoker Smoker (Strictly no smoking aboard) I do not abuse drugs or alcohol. Your email: Your email (confirmation): Mobile phone: Skype: ICQ: AIM: MSN: Telephone: When do you want to sail with me: My availablility ends week(s) after this date. Sailing is only planned in the listed weeks.You will be notified if there is a berth available in your desired period after your email activation. Alternatively, I am available: My availablility ends week(s) after this date. Personal notes, etc.: When do you want to make a definite commitment?: I would like to make a commitment as soon as possible, (to book flights etc.) I would like to make a commitment a bit later. I have read, fully understood, and agree with the information under Participation costs & conditions. ------------- WHAT TO BRING ------------- What to bring Insurances The boat is fully insured. Nonetheless, this does not relieve any Crewmember from sharing the responsibility equally for providing for a safe and enjoyable trip for all involved. Each Crewmember must be willing to assume liability for any damage caused by their negligence. Each Crewmember is responsible for their own personal health, accident & liability costs; therefore, it is necessary that each Crewmember have their own insurance. A travel health insurance is highly recommended. Essential Documents (Note: Without the following documents, you will not be permitted to sail aboard Settima) Passport: All Crewmembers are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of a valid passport or national identity card. All Crew, particularly Non-EU citizens are responsible for having all necessary visas PRIOR to embarkation. Due to the fact that the Skipper may be called upon by Coast Guard & port authorities to provide a Crew list supported by identification for each of his crew, each Crewmember will be obliged to surrender, upon embarkation, their passport or national identity card to the Skipper, who, in turn, will safeguard the passport/card in his possession for the duration of your onboard stay. Travel Tickets: All Crewmembers may be required to provide proof that they have the financial means to leave the yacht and to return to their place of residence. Acceptable proof would be an outbound airline, train or bus ticket or a valid credit card. The Skipper accepts no responsibility for providing any financial assistance to any Crewmember who is unable to pay for their return journey home. Insurance Documents: All Crewmembers must provide proof that they have adequate Medical insurance (Accident & Liability insurance is highly recommended) by being in possession of a valid insurance card or documents indicating the insurers name, telephone number and policy number. Disclaimer: All Crewmembers need to fill out the Disclaimer and bring a printed copy with them. What to bring Aside from the important documents listed above, all Crewmembers are encouraged to bring as little as possible! Useful items to bring are: -lifejacket -foul-weather gear/oilskin for bad weather (especially in winter) -sunscreen with high SPF (especially in summer) -sunglasses -prescription medicines, in their original containers -swimming clothes, T-shirts, shorts, etc -if desired fishing equipment -deck shoes (with non-scuffing soles) -bedding: blanket & pillow cover -2 sheets per cabin (even if you bring your sleeping bag; or 15 Euro cleaning fee for my bedding) -towels & dish towels -cellular mobile phone (with 12V charging unit) What not to bring Please don't bring hard-shell, wheeled suitcase as baggage. Advice It will help if you keep your personal stuff organized. Always use duffel bags, backpacks or other soft luggage to pack in. There's no room to store hard-shell, wheeled suitcases. Once onboard, either unpack into the storage spaces shown to you by the Skipper, or live out of your luggage. When you get ready for the day, try to plan what clothes and things you'll need. Keep these packed on top. Your crew mates will appreciate it if you try to keep your stuff organized, and you'll have an easier time. I look forward to having you aboard. And may we always have fair winds! -------------------- DISCLAIMER BLUEPRINT -------------------- DISCLAIMER The Skipper of s/y "Settima", shall not be held liable for death, personal injury, loss or damage to property howsoever arising and therefore by signing this disclaimer, you residing in hereby release, to the full extent permitted by state, law and equity the Skipper from all actual and contingent liability in respect of such personal injury, death, loss or damage. The place of jurisdiction is Landshut, Germany. With your signature, you testify that a safety instruction has taken place aboard and that you are aware of the dangers of sailing & the yacht (e.g. watch out for the boom); it will be your responsibility to avoid these dangers. Also, you are willing to assume liability for any damage you may cause. You are willing to take responsibility yourself for your own safety when aboard the boat by using lifejackets, handholds, footholds, lifelines and knowing your personal limits. When on deck while sailing at night or whenever the wind exceeds force 4, you constantly have to keep a lifeline connection to the boat. The sailing trip is planned from _____________ through _____________. _____________________________ _____________________________ (Location & date) (Signature) Name: Passport number: --- FAQ --- Frequently asked questions Application I sent my application some time ago, but still did not receive a personal response. What is the reason for that? Please note that my response will have some delay, in a timely manner, between July and September, as I will be living onboard my yacht, without regular internet access. Please be patient with my reply during that period. I do not want to participate in sailing, washing dishes, cooking, etc. - may I come aboard nevertheless? Yes, usually there are no reasons against that. Please indicate this preference in your application, and some services will cost extra. Sailing from October through June From October through June, you have hardly time for sailing, as you will be studying, right? No, I have a lot of time for sailing even though studying. I use to do any study-related work while sailing and I have very few lectures to attend. My sailing plans are very flexible, the only thing that will not work out is sailing "away" from Malta for more than one week. Any other kind of sailing is possible. What is the weather like from October through June? The air & water temperatures are quite mild, with a minimum of 15° C in February. Especially in December & January, there is also heavy rain, but usually it is over after a few minutes. Sailing from July through September I would like to sail a different route in summer - is this possible? Yes, as long as there are no clinches with trip legs with trip legs which are already booked. In general, this requires a longer stay aboard, though, in order to complete your desired route. Sailing What are the responsibilities of Crew members? You need to -take responsibility for your own safety when aboard the boat by using lifejackets, handholds, footholds, lifelines and knowing your personal limits; -call out all unsafe or potentially dangerous conditions to the attention of the Skipper; -let the Skipper know if you have any questions or concerns, (the only stupid question is the one that wasn't asked and needed to be!); -have a quiet respect for the forces of nature, (wind, sea & sun), the yacht & all others onboard. What should Crew members endeavour in difficult situations at sea? It is absolutely important to stay calm all the time and not to panic. Are you looking for a larger boat? Yes, in future. Costs Do you also offer cheaper or free sailing trips? I expect a fair contribution to the very high maintenance & operational costs of the yacht. I can offer this rather cheap price as I minimize my administation & advertisment expenses. Professional charter companies & sailing schools are often much more expensive and also the Skipper costs extra. You are welcome to inform me about your price preferences in your applicaton. However, I do not offer free sailing trips on my cost. Do you offer discount if I work hard aboard? You are welcome to inform me about your preferences of price & service in your applicaton. Please note that sailing is considered to be a pleasure, not hard work. ------------------- IMPRESSUM & CONTACT ------------------- Impressum Manuel Cruises & Software Software-"Unternehmergesellschaft" (company with limited liability) Non-profit sailing trips Chairman: Manuel Tremmel Place of jurisdiction: Landshut / Germany Disclaimer: Manuel Cruises & Software Ug does not accept any responsibility for the correctness, availability & contents of the listed external websites & banners. Contact information For crew applications, please use the form provided under "Apply" first. For any other queries, you can contact me via email: sailingadventure(at)arcor(dot)de -Skype: sy-settima -Sailing networks (send me a personal message) -facebook -ICQ -AIM -MSN -Address: Manuel Tremmel Fuchsweg 27 D-84051 Essenbach Please note that my response will have some delay, in a timely manner, between July and September, as I will be living onboard my yacht, without regular internet access. Please be patient with my reply during that period. Otherwise, you can contact the office in Germany ----------------- OFFICE IN GERMANY ----------------- Office in Germany For urgent requests, while I am sailing without internet access, you may contact Max Tremmel via this email address (in particular for accepted crew members before coming aboard): laserfan(at)arcor(dot)de Please note that Max speaks German, but hardly English. Thus, if possible, write your email in German